The National Union of Bauchi State Students (NUBASS) strongly condemns the misleading and politically influenced statement issued by the Senate President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) against Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed. Their attempt to twist his well-meaning remarks on Seyi Tinubu’s so-called philanthropic efforts is nothing more than an intentional misrepresentation designed to mislead the public.
Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed raised a valid and fundamental concern—governance should not be replaced by politically motivated handouts. Nigeria’s youth need sustainable solutions, not temporary distractions.
ADDRESSING THE FALSEHOODS PEDDLED BY NANS
1. Philanthropy Should Complement Governance, Not Substitute It
Contrary to NANS’ claims, Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed did not criticize philanthropy. Rather, he rightly questioned the exploitation of philanthropy as a political branding tool.
The real problem in Nigeria is not a lack of individual generosity but the failure of government structures to provide lasting solutions.
Handing out cooked food on the streets, as Seyi Tinubu did, is not an empowerment program—it is a temporary show that does nothing to change the economic reality of the people.
True philanthropy should aim to build capacity, provide long-term support, and uplift communities permanently.
2. Governor Bala Mohammed’s Administration Has Delivered on Youth Empowerment
NANS’ question—“How many youths has Bala Mohammed empowered?”—only exposes their ignorance or deliberate misinformation. The facts speak for themselves:
Bauchi State has invested in ICT development, innovation hubs, and business incubation centers to provide young people with digital and entrepreneurial skills.
Over 20,000 youths have benefited from economic empowerment programs, including vocational training and business startup capital.
The Bauchi Youth and Women Economic Empowerment Program has disbursed interest-free loans to entrepreneurs, ensuring self-sufficiency rather than dependence.
These are tangible policies far beyond the performative charity that NANS is defending.
3. Seyi Tinubu’s Failed “Philanthropy” Must Be Called Out
It is ridiculous for NANS to applaud a son of a sitting President for distributing cooked food to hungry citizens as though that is a meaningful contribution to youth empowerment. What exactly does this achieve?
It does not create jobs.
It does not provide capital for businesses.
It does not give young people skills or opportunities.
A country’s future cannot be built on one-time food distribution. The youth need sustainable empowerm ent through business capital, education, and long-term employment opportunities.
4. The Double Standards of NANS
Instead of questioning why Nigeria’s resources are not being directed into structured youth programs, NANS has chosen to attack Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed—a private citizen who has done more for young people than many government officials.
Where was NANS when:
ASUU was on strike for months, delaying the education of thousands?
Public universities increased tuition fees, making education unaffordable?
Graduates were left unemployed with no concrete job creation plans from the federal government?
Rather than tackling these real issues, NANS has become a mouthpiece for political figures, ignoring the real struggles of Nigerian students.
SHAMSUDDEEN BALA MOHAMMED’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Unlike Seyi Tinubu’s publicity-driven gestures, Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed has been making real, lasting contributions to young Nigerians:
He has consistently provided financial support for youths, personally giving out capital ranging from ₦2.5 million to ₦5 million to youths.
Hundreds of students have benefitted from his educational support initiatives, including tuition assistance and scholarship programs.
He has empowered youth not with food handouts but with capital to start businesses, ensuring that they become financially independent rather than reliant on unsustainable donations.
CONCLUSION
The National Union of Bauchi State Students (NUBASS) stands with Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed and firmly rejects the false narratives being pushed by NANS. It is time for real youth empowerment, not empty philanthropy designed for media attention.
We challenge NANS to redirect its energy towards fighting for the interests of Nigerian students rather than acting as a public relations unit for political figures. The youth of Nigeria need business opportunities, education, and employment, not temporary publicity stunts disguised as charity.
Long Live NUBASS!
Long Live Bauchi State!!!
Signed,
Saleh Ibrahim Saleh
Spokespersons to the NUBASS National President